Thunder News

For the second year, Trine wrestling has climbed into the Top 30 polls. At the time this e–newsletter went out, the Thunder ranked 19th in the nation. They also boasted seven nationally ranked wrestlers. This season the Thunder participated in dual matches or tournaments with more than 20 of the top 30 ranked teams. Coach Callahan was also named Mid–States Coach of the Year by a vote of conference coaches. The team is prepping for the NCAA Division III – Midwest Regional February 20 at Delaware Valley College in Doylesville, Pa., team and individual winners advance to the NCAA National Championship Tournament.

Women′s basketball has battled through injuries to remain in position to finish in the top half of the MIAA. To date, the Lady Thunder stand at 11–12, 6–8 in the conference.

Men′s basketball continues to show improvement. Currently 8–15 and 2–10 in the MIAA, the Thunder has been competitive but struggled to finish conference games. Promising newcomers continue to make significant contributions.

Indoor track officially opened up the Athletic and Recreation Center (ARC), hosting two invitational meets at the new complex. The men took first place in both, while the women were first in one and second in the other. Blessed with a fantastic facility, Trine will also host a number of high school meets throughout the winter. In March, the ARC will host Fort Wayne′s best track and field athletes with the Summit Athletic Conference Indoor Championships. The SAC is considered one of best track conferences in the state of Indiana.

Football continues to make its mark. The team has been successful on the field and in the classroom. Now the Thunder has been recognized twice for community service. Trine received two Josten′s/NADIIIAA Community Service Awards at the NCAA national convention in January. Trine was awarded honorable mention for its reading program at Carlin Park Elementary School and for its variety show benefit for Rhett Syndrome.

Finally, spring is in the air, as athletes all busily prepare for their upcoming seasons. Men′s lacrosse opens its season Saturday, Feb. 27, hosting Kenyon at Shive Field. Be sure to check www.trine.edu/trineathletics/ periodically for preview articles and updates on Thunder sports.

Kevin Boyd never really thought about a soccer career. After 13 years in coaching, however, the Tri–State University Hall of Famer′s teams are familiar faces in NCAA Division I women′s soccer.

"Life is what happens when you are making other plans," he laughed. "Find what you are passionate about, and it makes work and your career enjoyable."

He had plenty of other plans, one of them playing Notre Dame soccer. He was recruited, but landed on the waiting list at the last minute. The Irish coach had a connection with the Thunder coach, and Boyd came to Angola to play instead.

Plan B turned out fine, thank you. "The guys I played with did everything together," Boyd said. He appreciated the small classes and engaging professors who made an effort o know him. "The one–on–one was a defining character," Boyd said. A four–year letter winner, he was an honorable mention All–American in 1989 and three–time team captain with three all–district, all–area and all–MICL selections.

When he returned to Boise, Idaho to coach youth sports, he was asked to help form a girls youth league. His players drew the attention of college programs, and he accepted an assistant coaching job at the University of California. Becoming head coach a year later, he stayed for 10 seasons. He′s been at Arizona State since 2007.

"Coaching became my passion," he said. "I had to work four or five other jobs just to be able to do it. You name it, I did it." He took cues from three Thunder coaches, including current Trine men′s soccer coach Mike Ferrell. "Mike was very knowledgeable and had a lot of connections. He was very professional, and developed the camp system. He′s a reason I considered coaching," he said.

Boyd led ASU to its first NCAA tournament berth since 2003 in his third season in 2009. Along the way, the Sun Devils broke into the NSCAA top 25 for the first time since the 2004 pre–season. Prior to joining Arizona State, he compiled a 130–63–20 record at California, and led the Golden Bears to the NCAA tournament eight times.

Trine University lacrosse kicks off its first season of play in the Midwest Lacrosse Conference (MLC) this spring with two of the conference′s top players. The Thunder is also picked to finish second in the MLC.

Cory Childs (Savage, Minn./Prior Lake) was tabbed as the pre–season player of the year. He was also a pre–season all–conference attacker. Dan Giorgis (Avon, Ohio, St. Edwards) was also a selection at midfielder.

Adrian is picked to finish first. Trine, Mount Saint Joseph, Fontbonne and Carthage finished in a tie for second place in the pre–season vote. The final tie–breaker placement was based on 2009 records. Albion and Milwaukee School of Engineering are projected as sixth and seventh place finishers.

Aurora (Ill.) and Concordia (Wis.) join the conference in 2011. The MLC will be eligible as an automatic qualifier into the NCAA Division III championship beginning in 2012.

Great college athletic programs are built through great private support!

Trine University is committed to a high-quality athletic program, which benefits student-athletes
and our entire university community. The Thunder Varsity Club is the primary means through
which we raise funds for the Trine University Athletic Department. By becoming a member of the
Thunder Varsity Club you support nearly 500 Trine student-athletes to reach their goals of excelling
both in the classroom and on the fields of competition. Support from alumni, parents and fans
enable our teams to compete consistently at the highest levels within the MIAA Conference and
NCAA Division III. All gifts to the Thunder Varsity Club will help meet the needs that are most
critical to the athletic department and each individual athletic team.